Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Fantasy role-playing and student government: What do these two things have in common? Vol State has many extra- curricular activities available, and Dungeons and Dragons is a popular choice. Many of the clubs were on display at the Fall Fling today.

William Huffine is a first year nursing major, and is very interested in student activities. “I’ve been interested in a couple such at SGA and The National Society of Leadership and Success. I’m just trying to take the best opportunity to get involved. I never got involved in high school, and I realize that this is important,” William said.

Radiology students Jennifer Revalee and Gracie Rayburn were eating in the courtyard, and both agree that they don’t have time to take on any extra activities with the hectic schedule they have. “Any time you have the chance to do extra-curricular activities is good. It gives you a chance to socialize with other students and do things you enjoy; I just don’t have the time,” Jennifer said. “I didn’t even know that the school was this big, and that any of this was out here! It is refreshing to actually see other students,” Gracie said.

BJ Lewis is the Vice President of the Dungeons and Dragons club and thinks it is important be involved in some sort of extra-curricular activity. “It is part of formal education and socialization,” B.J said. BJ thinks that the Fall Fling is a good way to showcase what activities are offered. “This is out in the open and we get a lot of people trying to get to class,” BJ said.

The President of the African American Student Union, Deandra Moore has been involved with the organization for two years. “Anyone can join, and you don’t have to be African American. We do a lot of community service, and we are working with an organization out of Gallatin, TN called Children Are People Too,” said Deandra.

Whether students want to meet people with similar interests or want experience with their field of study, there is most likely an organization available.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Do you watch the news? I used to wonder about the excitement in front of a camera right before an interview, and now I have a taste of how that feels!

Terry Heinen is the Director of Media Services at Vol State. He told me about a thirty minute cable show titled “Inside Politics” that is produced at Vol State, and asked me if I would be interested in co-hosting the show. Of course I said yes!

Terry scheduled me to co-host with Nancy Hauskins, former channel 2 news anchor. Nancy has been hosting the show for over four years, and I was excited to do this with her. “We try to work in a student host to work with her. This is usually a Journalism student or someone involved with the student government,” Terry said.

I would be interviewing Ward Cammack who is a candidate in the 2010 Governor's race in Tennessee. The show was scheduled to begin at 3:30, and at 3:20 Terry pulled me to the side and said that Nancy wouldn’t be able to make it due to an emergency. He asked if I could handle it on my own. Feeling my eyes widen I said okay, realizing that I went from co-host to host for the first time ever in about ten minutes. Terry said, “I think you can do it.” This is when I pulled everything I have learned from doing live theatre, and decided that he was right. I could do this!

Terry and the crew fitted me with an ear piece so that I could hear certain directions and if something needed to be done differently. As far as I knew, the ear piece was working because I heard, “…3, 2, 1” and saw the camera man point. Taking a deep breath, I begin.

Listening intently to candidate Ward Cammack’s responses, and making sure I didn’t ask the next question in the event he already answered it, I noticed that one of the questions had been only partially answered. I asked a follow up question, and was congratulated by Terry at the end by following his direction to do so. “I didn’t hear you say anything after we started,” I said. Apparently the ear piece had stopped working and I got through my very first interview on camera, and I have a fabulous story to tell.

My debut should be posted on YouTube in a few weeks. I have been invited back to co-host or host “Inside Politics” again.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Politics is in the air. The candidates for Governor are starting to battle it out for the 2010 election.

Vol State produces a cable television program titled "Inside Politics" and State Senator Jim Kyle (D) Memphis was the guest, with host Nancy Hauskins.

I had the opportunity to interview Senator Kyle after the production. Kyle is passionate about the educational system, and I focused on this particular issue.

Senator Kyle says that education is one of the biggest needs in our state, and this is one of the main reasons he chose education as a platform. He says that there are many benefits of getting a college education from a community college such as Vol State. “Most community colleges have a curriculum that employers have said that they need. For example, the Allied Health program at Vol State is one of those programs,” said Kyle.

He said that he encourages students to continue their education and get a four-year degree if that is what is needed to accomplish their goals. “Many students have obtained gainful employment with a two-year degree. I believe what each student must do is decide where their comfort zone is. For example, if they want to be a Paralegal, then a two-year degree is sufficient. If they want to go to law school, then they would need a four-year degree. There is just as much dignity with a two-year degree from a community college,” Kyle said.

Senator Kyle has plans to reduce administrative costs for educational institutions. He said that he wants to implement a graduation plan. He said, “If you set a plan to graduate in a certain amount of time, we will not raise your tuition each year as long as you graduate. This goal is to create incentives to graduate and keep your commitments.”

The most significant advice Senator Kyle would give to students starting college fresh out of high school would be to recognize that community college is not high school. It is harder. Advice for adults that have been out of the educational system for awhile and decide to go back to college is this, “I would first congratulate adults for coming back. Narrow your focus, and decide what you want to do to accomplish your goals. Use the experience you have learned throughout your life.”

Inside Politics airs in Sumner, Wilson, and Robertson counties. It can be seen in Gallatin on college channel 19 every evening at 6 p.m. and in Hendersonville on Community Access Channel 3 on Monday evenings at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

With troubling economic times surrounding us, it can be refreshing that career fairs are still happening. Vol State is having its fall career fair on September 23 from 10am until 1pm in the Pickel Field House.

Dr. Rick Parrent is the Director of Career Placement here at Vol State. Parrent said that the National Association of College Employers (NACE) has reported a seven percent decrease in employment offered to college graduates until December. “There is a forty two percent decline in the number of businesses attending college career fairs,” said Parrent. He goes on to say that Vol State will still have forty to forty five businesses attending and they are seriously looking to hire employees. “There may be fewer jobs but the benefits are that those employers attending the career fairs are seriously looking for employees. Even if you don’t land a job you will be able to network and this is critical in the job market. Students attending will be able to get their name and resume to potential employers,” said Parrent.

Among the businesses attending the career fair are AFLAC, Best Buy, the Gallatin and Nashville Metro Police Departments, UPS, and Youth Villages. These are just a few listed, and there will be more businesses for those interested.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Vol State is having a career fair September 23, in the Pickel Field House from 10a.m. until 1p.m. With so many people out of work, and looking for jobs, this may prove beneficial for many Vol State students and people in the community. I was curious about what students think about the current economic situation in America.

Adam King is planning to be a teacher and said that if you are going to pick a career, pick something that is dependable, and something that you enjoy. Adam went on to say that the high demand for teachers is one of the reasons he chose this career path.

The current economy has been the cause of worry for many Americans, and college students are not unaffected by this. Worries stem from not knowing if employment will be available even after graduation.

“I’m very afraid that I won’t find a job. Newspapers are going down the toilet,” Journalism major Ashton Durham said.

Jarod Moore is a Psychology major. “I feel like the economy has taken a major blow on Americans. I am a little bit worried about student confidence dropping when they are looking for jobs after graduation,” Jarod said.

Will Montejo is a freshman on the basketball team, and is studying accounting. “I think that jobs will be available after graduation, but only a handful. I don’t think that everyone who graduates will get a job in their field,” Will said. Will said that it is still worth it to get a college degree and take his chances versus trying to get a job without a degree.

Friday, September 18, 2009

President's Ambassador Scott Ricketts has something to say about his chemistry professor:

Being a second year student at Vol State, I have seen and attended my share of classes. Each teacher I have had while attending Vol State has been such a help, but one teacher stands out to me the most: Dr. Chuck Snelling. Yes, Dr. Snelling is a very demanding teacher. His classes are not the classes you take to have an easy A, but he makes his classes fun. Dr. Snelling uses everyday things to help with his lectures and to help the students understand. Dr. Snelling has been my Chemistry Lab and Lecture teacher, and each class of his I attend makes me more interested in Chemistry than before. Anyone who has to take Chemistry, whether it be Chem I, II, or even Organic, I strongly advise to take Dr. Snelling. He will make you a better student, but also by the sits-downs he is willing to have with anyone, he will make you a better person.

The PTA (Physical Therapy Assistant) program is sponsoring the Fun Run/Walk. Pamela Saladino is an instructor for the PTA program here at Vol State, and is helping to organize the event. “This event is open to the public and is very family friendly. Children are welcome to walk with their parents,” Pamela said. Strollers are welcome as well. Pamela said that there will be events for children in addition to the Fun Run/Walk.

This is a charity event and is not timed. Those who register by Monday September 20 pay only fifteen dollars, and get a free T-shirt. “After Monday, registration is twenty dollars, and T-shirts won’t be available because the orders will have to be put in,” said Pamela. There will be massages available for five dollars following the race, and these proceeds will also go to Faces of Hope. Those who register will be entered in a drawing with prizes being given away that day as well.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

When thinking of the Constitution, thoughts of freedom and rights may come to mind. What exactly are those rights?

Constitution Day at Vol State will be Thursday, September 17, with events at 12:30 p.m. These events will be in the carpeted dining room of the Wood Campus Center. George Pimentel, chair of the History Department and Loretta Calvert, Coordinator of the Paralegal Studies Program will be in attendance. The purpose of this event is to shed some light on our rights as United States Citizens. “It would be really good to know what your rights are. So few Americans know,” said George.

One of the activities that will be covered is Jay Walking. George explained that this is modeled after Jay Leno’s Jay Walking skit from the late night T. V. show. “Five people were asked a series of five questions, from what is the Bill of Rights, to who are the main characters on the series "The Family Guy." Unfortunately, most people didn’t know what the Bill of Rights are, but knew The Family Guy characters,” George said. George added that the questions asked are those that are on a U.S. immigration test, and many U.S. citizens don’t know these answers.

Constitution Day should be an interesting and fun way to learn a few things about our rights as Americans.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Health and wellness are two words used frequently nowadays. Finding the time to keep ourselves healthy can seem daunting.

Vol State employees Karen Waller, Betty Gibson, Shanna Jackson, and Cindy Johns have decided to help each other stay on track by holding each other accountable. Basically these women work out for 120 minutes or more each week, and weigh once a week. They email each other their results and the winner gets praised by her peers.

Karen Waller said, “We started this several months ago, but got off track.” She said that they are doing this again, and want to encourage other faculty and staff to join with the accountability pool if they would like. These four women are excited to continue their goals of losing weight and making healthy choices.

Monday, September 14, 2009

There are many benefits of being a college student at Vol State. Many discounts are available when you use your college ID including fast food restaurants, credit unions, and cultural events.

On Thursday and Friday nights the Frist Center for the Visual Arts offers free nights from 5pm to 9pm when you present your college ID. Students seem to be excited that they can get discounts. Nick Delpapa said, “I feel like that’s good, and it saves us money. It is good that we get benefits for going to college since it is already so expensive. It helps because we are in a recession.”

For students that are unsure where to look for the discounts, you can find some of them listed on Vol State’s website. “I have never really looked into it, but now that I know where to look I will probably use my discounts,” said Kassie Collier. Kimi Dillard, age 19 is a second year student at Vol State and has used her ID for a few things. “I use it to go to Baskin Robbins, and I’m going to the Frist Center,” said Kimi. Amy Webb says that she uses her student ID to get fifteen percent off at The Limited.

If you are unsure if a discount is offered, just ask. The Adventure Science Center, Country Music Hall of Fame and The Boiler Room Theatre in Franklin all offer student discounts. The Nashville Opera has a special student seating section with prices starting at twenty four dollars. The Nashville Symphony offers the sound check discount program. Students can get tickets for select performances for ten dollars. There is a short form to fill out, and you can find this by going to the website.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Hi, my name is Rachael Smith and I am a President's Ambassdor for Vol State. I am in A and P II (Anatomy and Physiology) and on the first day of lab we dissected a sheep! It consisted of the throat,voice box, heart, and lungs or in anatomy terms : pharynx, larynx, trachea, heart, and lungs.

First thing that we were told to do is cut the pericardial sac off of the heart! I thought i was going crazy because this was sooooo cool to me. Then if that wasn't freaky enough, we cut the heart completely out and cut a vertical line all the way down the throat to the lungs. Then we all rubbed our fingers down the lining of the throat to see how slippery it was. moo ha ha ha. Crazy huh. In defense, we all learned what kind of epithelial tissue the throat is consisted of and how the bronchial tree branches to the lungs. Just thought I would share a little bit of A and P life at Vol State with you.

More than 50 businesses are expected to attend the upcoming Fall Job Career Fair at Vol State. It’s a chance for job seekers to get resumes directly into the hands of the people hiring, and see what opportunities are available.

“Locally the job climate is still fair to poor,” said Dr. Rick Parrent, Director of Career Placement. “This makes an event like this even more important for job seekers.”

The businesses will have tables at the event so they can meet one-on-one with job seekers. There will also be sessions on job searching in an economic downturn and the importance of a professional career vocabulary.

“Debbie Watts is a career transition coach,” Dr. Parrent said. “She will talk about the skill set for specific careers and the vocabulary you need to be competitive.”

The Fall Job Career Fair will be held Wednesday, September 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Pickel Field House, on the Vol State campus at 1480 Nashville Pike in Gallatin. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 615-230-3307.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Smoking is a hot topic of debate for many issues, but one you may not have thought about is the litter created by cigarette filters thrown on the ground. Vol State recently started an information campaign called Stash the Ash. Posters around campus can be seen with the slogan, “Be clean and green and put your cigarette butts in the receptacles.”

There seems to be a difference of opinion on whether to dispose of the cigarette butt properly in the receptacle, or put it out on the ground. SGA President Dusty Good is a smoker and said, “Tobacco is bio-degradable. I usually take the tobacco part and throw it on the ground. I dispose of the filter properly. Those who choose to litter and throw the cigarette butts on the ground should be treated like anyone else who does this and fined.”

Aaron Fountain and Austin Wright are also smokers and say they use the ashtrays. There has been speculation that receptacles can catch fire. Adam King, age twenty has been a smoker for more than two years. “I always put my cigarette out on the concrete, and never the grass because of fires. I don’t use the ashtrays because I have seen one of those catch on fire before,” said Adam. He couldn’t remember which public place he saw this, but said that it wasn’t Vol State. “It doesn’t help that maintenance doesn’t empty the receptacles,” said Austin Wright.

Gary Hume is the senior director of plant operations here at Vol State and said that the receptacles that are in place now are steel. “The old ones were plastic, but these will not catch on fire. The receptacles are checked and emptied once a week,” said Gary. He oversees that this is done.

The environmental issues are one of the main reasons for educating smokers and non-smokers alike about the hazards that cigarette butts can have on our environment. According to Pub Med Central, “It is estimated that 1.69 billion pounds (845,000 tons) of butts wind up as litter worldwide per year. A 1997 report from the Rhode Island Department of Health reported 146 cases of cigarette butt ingestion among children."

Jacob Walker is also a smoker and said, “I think it is stupid; if you can’t walk the ten feet or whatever to put out your cigarette, then you have a problem." Jacob brings a portable ashtray with him to campus. Sean Carney, a non-smoker agrees and said that it would be nice if people would walk the extra few feet to put out the cigarette. Patrick Hanson is also a non-smoker and said, “I don’t care if people smoke, but there is no reason to flick the butt right next to the receptacle.”

Vol State has fifty three receptacles around campus designated solely for the disposal of cigarettes.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

As a student, it is sometimes easy to forget that the faculty and staff have lives outside of Volunteer State.

Edmon Thomas is associate professor of Communications and Theatre at Vol State. He grew up in Oakland, CA, but has lived in Tennessee for the past twenty years. He has been employed by Vol State for the past seventeen years. Theatre has been a part of his life for forty years, and he says he enjoys this tremendously. Having a very calm demeanor about him, he starts to tell me a little about his background.

Edmon has been married for fourteen years to wife Janice, and they have two sons ages nine and twelve. He and Janice decided two years ago to foster children, and have had a third child age twelve living with them. “This is the second young man we have had live with us that we have fostered,” Edmon said.

Edmon says that he and his wife are both theatre people and have written a two character production entitled, “Itty Bitty Mississippi.” He plays Newnan, and Janice plays Tilly Mae. They perform this in different areas around Nashville. “It is a comedy about a couple talking about life,” said Edmon.

In addition to theatre, Edmon enjoys swimming, gardening, and house painting. His favorite music ranges from jazz, contemporary Christian, and show tunes.For three years Edmon worked as a standup comedian in San Francisco, and Los Angelos, CA. “I had a routine called Me and My Pet Cockroach,” Edmon said. Edmon has acted in various productions to include, “Jesus Hopped the A Train,” “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope,” and “Cyrano De Bergerac.” He wrote and directed “The Love I Almost Lost,” which was performed here at Vol State.

The one thing Edmon would like to stress to students is, “Have a dream and focus on it. Know that it will cost you something to have that dream fulfilled, and don’t be afraid to fall while you are trying.”

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Cyber crime goes beyond hacking into computers and stealing information. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, “From January 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008, there were 275,284 complaints. This is a 33.1% increase compared to 2007 when 206,884 complaints were received.

Special Agent John Medeiros of the FBI will speak at Vol State Wednesday September 9. Medeiros will talk about everything from hacking and identity theft, to child pornography. This seminar will be held in the Rochelle Center in the library at 10am. The purpose of the seminar is to educate and inform, while giving ways to protect you from internet crime.

Friday, September 4, 2009

We've asked our Presidential Ambassadors to blog about their student experience...here is the first entry from Kayla Barbee:

This is my second year at Vol State and I have a had a very good experience with all of my teachers but one in particular stands out above the rest. I cannot remember how many times I have told new and old students to take Dr. Carol Topping!!! I took her my first fall semester for Human Growth and Development and spring for Psychology 101. I cannot emphasize enough what an amazing teacher and person that she is. She makes the entire class feel so comfortable. Tops, her preferred name, holds nothing about her self back and allows the students to be themselves. I can honestly say that I learned so much and had a ton of fun at the same time. I know I have told my friends, that I wish she was teaching all of my classes! So my suggestion to you, is to take her if you are needing a credit for a social science or just take her for the experience. - Kayla Barbee

Classes have been in session at Vol State for only a week, and students have already been alerted to the seriousness of the newest strain of flu, H1N1. Messages are coming via student email, and flyers are posted all over campus listing ways in preventing this rapidly spreading virus. Are students concerned about the possibility of becoming infected?

There are differences in opinion and differing degrees of concern. Students range from being worried and taking precautions, to sharing hookahs on campus without a care in the world. Brian Larson, one of the students indulging in flavored tobacco between classes, said, “I’m counting my blessings. I get vaccinated next week.”

A.J. Snider said that when he heard about the five year old that died after being infected, he became more concerned. “I avoid touching things that have been touched a lot, and I wash my hands as much as possible,” A.J. said. Jason Murrell said he uses hand sanitizer more now. “I think it is a good idea that the college has the Purell dispensers hanging up on the walls,” Jason said. Purell dispensers are located in locations around campus including The Wood Campus Center.

Nicole Vaughn, a nursing student, said that she worked for Cardinal Health and was in San Diego, CA in March 2009 for training during the first outbreaks. “I think we have over reacted. Just wash your hands frequently, and cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze,” Nicole said. Jeremy Layne said that he thinks the media took over and made it sound worse.

Whether you are overly concerned or not the least bit worried about H1N1, proper hand washing should be practiced for your own benefit and as a courtesy to those around you.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Tiffany Jones is waiting outside the Caudill building a week before classes begin, and I approach her and ask her a few questions. Never knowing what someone’s story is I am often surprised and enlightened by some of the dreams and goals that fellow students are trying to achieve.

Tiffany Jones is currently a patient transporter at Vanderbilt Hospital and works as a medical assistant. At age thirty six, Tiffany is a student at Vol State and has decided on a career in social work. “This is my dream. My dream is to open a shelter for abused women and children. There are so many children who are in the system, and fall behind,” Tiffany said. Tiffany wants to help change this.

In her spare time while she is in school, Tiffany says that all she does is study. “I want to achieve that 4.0!” said Tiffany.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Being a student at Vol State I am well aware of the early morning classes, and the mid-afternoon hunger that comes in the middle of the day. The cafeteria is a great way to grab a bite to eat in between classes.

Paul Fields is the owner of First Choice Foods, and provides the food in the cafeteria this year. “There have been a few changes in the menu options with a lot of the new items in the grab n’ go section,” said Paul.

Among the additional items to grace the Vol State cafeteria are Krispy Kreme donuts, and several selections of cold sandwiches, fresh fruit, and Muscle Milk. Ryan Hackett was thrilled to find out the cafeteria carried Muscle Milk. “Awesome! They have Muscle Milk?” Ryan said. Mandi Loveday was eating her lunch and said, “I ate the ham wrap on tomato basil. It was good, and the prices are good.” First year student Kelli Stiles was eating a sandwich. “It is really good, and I like the fact that it is fresh and not old,” Kelli said.This is Chris Cotten’s second semester and he said that it seems about the same as last year. He said that the sandwiches seem a bit more expensive. Colby Parks thought the prices were reasonable and said, “It is pretty good; a full meal including a drink for about six bucks.”Students are welcome to have breakfast from 7:30am-10:30am, and lunch is served from 10:30am-2pm.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Many students start their college work at Vol State, intending to then transfer to a 4-year school. To help students make that university choice Vol State invites reps from some of the area universities to come to Vol State and meet with students. The university reps will be located in the Advising Center, Suite 174, in the Ramer Administration Building, on the following dates:

Friday evenings are typically thought to consist of going out on the town with friends, and taking a much needed break from the previous week of classes. This is not the case for students Lauren Dickens and Samantha Hearn. Lauren is editor of Vol State’s student newspaper, The Settler, and Samantha is the assistant editor this semester.

These two ladies are often in The Settler office the entire span of a Friday, staying until 9pm most of the time doing layouts, and getting last minute stories in for distribution on Mondays. Getting the news out to students from a student perspective is the goal. The newspaper is distributed every Monday classes are in session, and is available in several racks around the campus. Associate Professor Clay Scott says, “I am the advisor. I have no control over content. It is a pure student newspaper.”

For new students coming to Vol State, assistant editor Samantha says, “The Settler is a good source of information because it tells students about events going on around campus. It is a good way for students to meet new people by going to these events.” Samantha said that this helped her as a new student by meeting new people herself. Writing for The Settler is another good way to plug in. For those who like to write, and perhaps need an elective for course credit, students are welcome to sign up for COM 292P for one, two, or three hours. “If they just want to write without taking the course they can, but they won’t get credit,” Lauren said. Students are welcome to voice their opinions to the editor each week as well.